Sharm El Sheikh welcomes millions of visitors from around the world, so tourists have many convenient options for paying for hotels, restaurants, excursions, shopping, transportation, and other activities. However, understanding how local payments work can help you avoid confusion and manage your travel budget more effectively.
In this complete guide, we explain everything tourists need to know about money in Sharm El Sheikh, including the Egyptian pound, foreign currencies, credit cards, ATMs, currency exchange, tipping, shopping, and useful money-saving tips.
What Currency Is Used in Sharm El Sheikh?
The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
You may see prices written as:
EGP
LE
E£
The Egyptian pound is used for everyday purchases throughout Sharm El Sheikh, including local restaurants, supermarkets, taxis, small shops, markets, and many other services.
Because Sharm El Sheikh is an international tourist destination, some businesses also accept foreign currencies such as US dollars and euros. However, accepting foreign currency does not necessarily mean that it is always the best way to pay.
For everyday purchases, having some Egyptian pounds is highly recommended.
Can You Use US Dollars and Euros?
Yes, tourists can sometimes use US dollars and euros in Sharm El Sheikh, particularly in hotels, tour companies, souvenir shops, and businesses that mainly serve international visitors.
However, you should always ask for the final price and clarify which exchange rate the business is using.
If a product costs a certain amount in Egyptian pounds, paying with a foreign currency without checking the exchange rate could result in paying more than expected.
For this reason, it is usually better to keep Egyptian pounds available for smaller purchases.
Can You Pay by Credit or Debit Card?
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centers, and larger businesses in Sharm El Sheikh.
Visa and Mastercard are commonly used in tourist areas.
Nevertheless, you should not depend entirely on your bank card.
Smaller local shops, markets, taxis, street vendors, and some independent businesses may only accept cash.
The easiest solution is to carry both a payment card and a reasonable amount of Egyptian cash.
This gives you flexibility if a business does not accept cards or if there is a temporary problem with a payment terminal.
Are There ATMs in Sharm El Sheikh?
Yes, tourists can find ATMs in many parts of Sharm El Sheikh.
ATMs are commonly available around:
Hotels
Banks
Shopping areas
Tourist districts
Major commercial areas
International debit and credit cards can generally be used to withdraw Egyptian pounds.
Before withdrawing money, check whether your bank charges an international transaction or withdrawal fee. Some ATMs may also display their own fees before completing the transaction.
For safety and convenience, using an ATM operated by a recognized bank is generally preferable to using an unknown machine.
Where Can You Exchange Money in Sharm El Sheikh?
Tourists have several options when they need to exchange foreign currency.
You can exchange money at official exchange offices, banks, and other authorized locations. Some hotels may also provide currency exchange services.
When exchanging a large amount of money, compare the available exchange rates and check whether there are additional fees or commissions.
Always count the money you receive before leaving the counter and keep your exchange receipt.
Avoid exchanging money with unofficial individuals on the street, even if they offer what appears to be a better rate.
Should You Bring Cash to Sharm El Sheikh?
Yes. Even if you prefer using cards, carrying some cash is strongly recommended.
Cash can be useful for:
Tips
Small shops
Local markets
Taxis
Snacks and drinks
Small purchases
Local services
Some excursions
You do not necessarily need to carry a large amount of cash every day.
A practical approach is to carry enough Egyptian pounds for your expected daily expenses while keeping the rest of your money safely stored.
How Much Money Do You Need in Sharm El Sheikh?
There is no single amount that every tourist needs because your budget depends on your travel style.
Someone staying at an all-inclusive resort may spend relatively little outside the hotel, while another traveler who enjoys restaurants, shopping, nightlife, excursions, and water activities will need a larger budget.
Before traveling, make a simple list of the activities you want to enjoy.
Consider expenses such as:
Food and drinks
Transportation
Excursions
Shopping
Tips
Entrance fees
Water activities
Souvenirs
Planning these expenses in advance can help you avoid unexpected costs.
Tipping in Sharm El Sheikh
Tipping is common in Egypt and is often referred to as baksheesh.
Tourists may choose to tip hotel staff, waiters, drivers, tour guides, porters, and other service workers.
The amount depends on the service and the situation. There is no universal fixed amount that applies to every person or service.
If you receive excellent service, you can show your appreciation with a tip.
It is useful to keep small Egyptian banknotes with you because they are more convenient for tipping than larger notes or foreign currency.
Money and Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh
Shopping is one of the most enjoyable activities for many visitors.
Popular shopping areas include Naama Bay and the Old Market, where tourists can find souvenirs, spices, perfumes, clothing, handicrafts, jewelry, and other Egyptian products.
In some local markets, prices may be negotiable.
If you are interested in buying something, compare prices at different shops before making a decision.
It is also a good idea to ask about the price before accepting a service or purchasing an item.
How to Save Money in Sharm El Sheikh
Managing your money carefully can help you enjoy more activities without unnecessarily increasing your travel budget.
Compare Prices
Don’t automatically accept the first price you hear. Compare prices when shopping, arranging transportation, or booking certain services.
Check What Is Included
Before booking an excursion, ask exactly what the price includes.
For example, check whether transportation, entrance fees, meals, drinks, equipment, and guide services are included.
If you are planning activities during your stay, you can explore our Sharm El Sheikh excursions and choose experiences that match your interests and budget.
Carry Small Notes
Small Egyptian banknotes are useful for tips, taxis, snacks, and small purchases.
Keep Your Money Safe
Avoid carrying all your money in one wallet.
Keep larger amounts securely stored and only take the amount you expect to need during the day.
Check Your Change
When paying with cash, especially in busy markets or tourist areas, always check the change you receive before leaving.
Money for Excursions in Sharm El Sheikh
Excursions are an important part of a holiday in Sharm El Sheikh.
Popular activities include:
Ras Mohammed National Park
White Island trips
Snorkeling excursions
Boat trips
Diving
Desert safaris
Quad biking
Bedouin experiences
City tours
When comparing excursion prices, don’t focus only on the advertised price.
Two tours may have different prices because one includes transportation, entrance fees, meals, drinks, or equipment while another does not.
Always ask what is included before making your booking.
Can You Use Money at Sharm El Sheikh Airport?
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport provides tourists with access to currency exchange and other financial services.
If you need Egyptian pounds immediately after arriving, you can exchange a small amount for transportation and basic expenses.
However, if you do not need a large amount immediately, you may want to compare exchange rates at official exchange offices or banks after reaching the city.
What Is the Best Way to Carry Money?
For most visitors, the best option is a combination of cash and cards.
Keep some Egyptian pounds with you for everyday purchases, tips, taxis, and smaller businesses.
At the same time, keep a debit or credit card available for larger purchases at hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and other businesses that accept card payments.
You can also keep a small emergency amount separately from your main cash.
This approach gives you flexibility while reducing the need to carry large amounts of money.
Final Thoughts About Money in Sharm El Sheikh
Understanding money in Sharm El Sheikh before your trip can make your holiday more comfortable and help you manage your budget more effectively.
The Egyptian pound is the official currency, while US dollars and euros may also be accepted by some tourist-oriented businesses. Credit and debit cards are widely useful, but cash remains important for smaller purchases, tips, markets, taxis, and some local services.
The simplest strategy is to carry some Egyptian pounds, keep a reliable payment card with you, use official exchange services, compare prices, and confirm what is included before booking tours or activities.
Once you understand how money in Sharm El Sheikh works, you can spend less time worrying about payments and more time enjoying the beaches, Red Sea activities, desert adventures, and everything else this beautiful Egyptian destination has to offer.